Side: Scuba Diving Tour Journey To The Depths Of The Blue

If you’re looking for a unique way to see the Mediterranean’s underwater treasures without committing to a full certification, this scuba diving tour near Side, Turkey, offers a fantastic mix of art, marine life, and scenic boat rides. With a rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on seven reviews and a price of just $68 per person, it’s a broadly appealing choice for both beginners and those with some diving experience. The highlight is exploring around 110 statues in the Side Underwater Museum, complemented by two 20-minute dives and plenty of opportunities to relax on the boat.

Two things I particularly appreciate about this experience are the expert guidance—which really helps even nervous first-timers feel at ease—and the stunning underwater sculptures that make the visit more than just a regular scuba outing. The inclusion of lunch and scenic boat rides adds a leisurely touch to the day, making it feel like a well-rounded adventure.

A potential consideration is the depth of only 5-6 meters, which is ideal for beginners but might feel limiting for more advanced divers. Also, while photos are not included in the price, the opportunity to capture your moments with the sculptures still makes this tour quite a value.

Key points / Takeaways

• Underwater Sculpture Museum with around 110 statues offers a blend of art and marine life.
• Expert guides and multilingual safety briefings help create a safe, encouraging environment.
• Flexible for beginners and experienced divers, with the shallow depth making it accessible.
• Includes lunch and scenic boat cruise, adding relaxation and scenic views to the adventure.
• Good value for the price of $68, especially considering gear, insurance, and two dives.
• Photos and DVDs available, giving you a lasting memory of your underwater adventure.

Discovering the Underwater Art and Marine Life

I love how this tour seamlessly combines art, nature, and adventure. The Underwater Museum is quite special—an open-air gallery of around 110 sculptures that float just 5-6 meters below the surface. These sculptures aren’t just for viewing; they serve as artificial reefs, encouraging marine life to thrive. I’ve read different reviews praising guides like Murat, who make the experience both fun and safe, especially for those who might be a bit nervous about diving for the first time.

The shallow depth of 5-6 meters makes this accessible for beginners—highlighted by one guest’s comment about conquering fears and feeling safe thanks to the encouraging guides. For more seasoned divers, it offers a chance to enjoy a relaxed, close-up view of the sculptures and vibrant marine life. It’s a good way to get a sense of underwater exploring without the commitment of a full certification.

The Itinerary: A Well-Structured Day

The day starts with hotel pick-up from seven locations around Side, Kumköy, Çolakl, Kzlot, Manavgat, Gündodu, and Evrenseki. The comfortable, air-conditioned bus takes you on a 40-minute ride to the port—something I appreciate because it reduces travel fatigue and adds to the overall ease of the experience.

Once at the dock, you’ll receive a multilingual safety briefing. This is crucial because safety is the backbone of any good diving experience, especially when you’re in a foreign country. One guest remarked that the guides, like Murat, are highly knowledgeable and friendly, which really helps build confidence.

The first scuba dive of 20 minutes takes place around the underwater sculptures. The shallow depth means you won’t need to worry about deep-sea effects—perfect for beginners and those with a little experience. Afterward, you’ll enjoy a hearty lunch on the boat while soaking up beautiful water views. Many reviews mention that the lunch is a good quality, filling meal that complements the leisurely pace of the trip.

Following lunch, it’s time for a second 20-minute dive. This is your chance to explore the marine flora and fauna thriving among the sculptures and natural surroundings. The marine life reportedly includes plenty of colorful fish and plant life, making the underwater environment lively and photogenic.

Finally, the tour wraps up with a scenic boat cruise for 40 minutes, providing a relaxing way to enjoy the coastline and reflect on your underwater adventures. The whole process is carefully structured to balance adventure, relaxation, and scenic enjoyment.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This experience is ideally suited for beginners, families, or anyone curious about marine life and underwater art. The shallow depths, professional guides, and well-organized itinerary make it accessible and safe. If you’re a solo traveler looking for a memorable day or a family wanting an activity that’s safe for teenagers over 14, this tour fits the bill.

Those who love scenic boat rides and unique artistic environments will find this especially appealing. It’s not just about the diving; it’s about creating a memorable, visually stunning experience that combines adventure and leisure.

Price and Logistics: Great Value for the Experience

At $68, the value here is quite good considering the included gear, insurance, two dives, and lunch. The tour lasts around five hours, which is enough time to enjoy all the highlights without feeling rushed. The hotel pickup and drop-off are a plus, simplifying logistics in this busy tourist area.

One thing to keep in mind is the limited depth—for those seeking challenging or deep-sea diving, this isn’t the right choice. However, for most visitors, the shallow, art-rich environment offers plenty to see and experience.

Final Thoughts

This Side scuba tour offers a unique blend of underwater sculpture viewing, marine life, and scenic boat rides at an affordable price point. Its professional guides, especially those like Murat, help ensure even first-timers feel confident and excited. The sculptures and thriving flora and fauna make it more than just a dive—it’s a visual journey that combines art, nature, and adventure.

If you’re looking for a relaxed, enriching, and scenic activity that won’t break the bank, this tour is a strong choice. It’s especially fitting if you’re interested in underwater art or want a safe, guided introduction to scuba diving.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the shallow depth of 5-6 meters and professional guides make it perfect for beginners and those with some experience.

What age do I need to be to participate?
Participants must be over 14 years old to dive, with adults over 16 being the typical age limit.

What’s included in the price?
Your fee covers hotel pickup and drop-off, all necessary diving equipment, two 20-minute dives, lunch, and insurance.

Can I take photos during the tour?
Photos and DVDs can be purchased after the tour, but they are not included in the initial price.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts approximately 5 hours, including transportation, safety briefing, dives, lunch, and cruise.

Is the lunch included?
Yes, a hearty lunch with water views is part of the package, making the day more relaxing and enjoyable.

What should I bring?
Bring essentials like sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, towel, and sunscreen to stay comfortable during the day.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility in your travel plans.

This scuba tour near Side combines affordability, scenic beauty, and the chance to explore a captivating underwater art museum—an experience that’s well worth considering if you’re in the area. It’s a perfect pick for those wanting a memorable, safe, and visually stunning adventure in Turkey’s waters.